What Are Perovskite Solar Cells?
Perovskite solar cells are a new kind of solar cell. They are made using a special material called perovskite. There are two types of perovskite solar cells. The first type is called “n-i-p.” The second is called “p-i-n.” In the p-i-n type, light enters through the hole transport layer. In the n-i-p type, light enters through the electron transport layer.
Scientists are working to improve perovskite solar cells. They want to make them last longer and work better. One way to do this is by adding pyrrodiazole (PZ). This is a special substance that helps improve the solar cells.
How Does Pyrrodiazole (PZ) Help?
PZ is important for perovskite solar cells. It makes the materials in the solar cells more stable. It helps the lead iodide and formamidinium iodide (FAI) stay together. This prevents them from separating or forming defects. When these materials stay together, the solar cell works better.
The PZ also helps the crystallization process. Crystallization is when the material turns into crystals. PZ controls how the crystals form. It slows down the growth of the crystals. This helps the perovskite material form evenly. This makes the film more uniform and without defects.
How Were the Solar Cells Made?
To make the solar cells, the researchers used several layers. First, they added a layer of transparent glass. This glass had a special coating called FTO. This layer helps the light get to the solar cell.
Next, a layer of nickel oxide (NiOx) was added. This is a special material that helps the solar cell work. After the NiOx, the researchers added a layer of Me-4PACz. This layer helps the cell work better by moving charges.
Then, they applied the perovskite layer. This layer was applied using slot-die coating. This method puts the perovskite material evenly on the surface. It also helps control how the crystals form. It prevents the crystals from growing too fast.
After the perovskite, they added an electron transport layer. This layer was made of buckminsterfullerene (C60). Then, a layer of bathocuproine (BCP) was added. This layer protects the solar cell. Finally, a layer of copper (Cu) was added to finish the cell.
What Was the Efficiency of the Solar Cells?
The solar cells made with PZ had very good results. They reached an efficiency of 21.5%. This is one of the highest efficiencies for this kind of solar cell. The cells were also very stable. They stayed strong for a long time. After 1,000 hours of continuous light exposure, the cells still worked well. They kept 94% of their original efficiency. This shows that the cells can last a long time.
Can These Solar Cells Be Made on a Large Scale?
Yes, the solar cells can be made on a large scale. The researchers tested larger solar cells. These were 10 cm by 10 cm in size. They had 11 smaller sub-cells inside them. These cells were tested and their performance was confirmed. The National Institute of Measurement and Testing Technology in China tested them.
The larger solar cells also had very good results. The efficiency of the cells went up from 18.2% to 21.5%. This shows that adding PZ can improve the performance of the cells, even when they are made on a larger scale.
What About Other Versions of PZ?
The researchers also tested different types of PZ. They called them PZ-I and PZ-II. Unfortunately, these versions did not work as well. The efficiency of the cells with PZ-I was only 17.9%. The efficiency of the cells with PZ-II was even lower at 17.0%. This shows that not all versions of PZ are equally good. The researchers plan to improve the PZ additive in the future.
What Are the Next Steps?
Solar power adoption is rapidly growing. Therefore, researchers want to keep improving these solar cells. They are especially interested in perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells. These cells combine perovskite and silicon to improve performance. They think this combination could make solar cells even better. Japan also want clean energy and Perovskite solar cells are part of this plan. The government wants to make 20 gigawatts of energy by 2040
By improving perovskite solar cells, the researchers hope to make solar energy cheaper and more efficient. This would help make solar energy a more common source of power around the world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, adding pyrrodiazole (PZ) to perovskite solar cells has made them more stable and efficient. The solar cells can be made on a large scale and still work well. They also have good long-term stability. This is a big step forward for perovskite solar cells. In the future, they could help make solar energy more efficient and affordable.
(FAQs)
What are perovskite solar cells?
Perovskite solar cells are a type of solar cell made from perovskite material.
Why is pyrrodiazole (PZ) important for solar cells?
PZ helps make the solar cells more stable and prevents defects.
How does PZ affect the crystallization of perovskite?
PZ slows down the growth of crystals and helps them form evenly.
How are perovskite solar cells made?
The cells are made by applying layers of different materials, including perovskite.
What is the efficiency of the new solar cells?
The new solar cells reached an efficiency of 21.5%.
Can these solar cells be made on a large scale?
Yes, the cells can be made on a large scale with good results.
What are the next steps for improving perovskite solar cells?
The researchers plan to improve the PZ additive and focus on perovskite-silicon tandem cells.
